It has been a popular part of the Royal Norfolk Show for more than eight decades, but next year the Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society's open dog show will not feature in the two-day agricultural event.
Cheryl Holmes, secretary of the society, said it has been told by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) that the Royal Norfolk Show will not be able to host the two-day dog show in 2017.
Mark Nicholas, director of the Royal Norfolk Show, said the agricultural event had provided 'considerable resources to enable the dog show' over the years but was no longer able to offer support in this way.
Mrs Holmes said it was the end of a long tradition but that a one-day dog show would instead be held at the Norfolk Showground later in 2017.
'The show has been held in conjunction with the agricultural society for 84 years and it is such a shame that we now have to part company,' she said, adding that about 800 dogs featured in the two-day show each year and it attracted people from across the country.
'It will be missed and we hope that we have always put on a good show for you all.'
About the long history, she said: 'The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association approached the society (then known as the Norfolk Kennel Association) in 1932, inviting the society to hold an open show on June 15 that year and then followed a very, very long marriage. Times and circumstances change so the Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society will move on and will hold two one-day open shows, so thank you to everyone that had any connections with our shows at the Royal Norfolk Show. They leave behind a host of good memories; time now to move forward.'
The Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society has roots going back to 1878 and Mrs Holmes said it had some royal connections, including the best in show cup presented at its event at the Royal Norfolk Show each year being donated by King George V.
The society already holds an open show each spring and the new one-day show is planned for August 27 next year at the Norfolk Showground.
Mr Nicholas said: 'Unfortunately the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association will not play host to the Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society Dog Show at the 2017 Royal Norfolk Show.
'Over years the RNAA has provided considerable resources to enable the dog show, but following a number of discussions with the organisers we have concluded that we are unable to continue to support the Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society in this way. We are however pleased to announce that we have jointly agreed a new date to host this highly successful event at the showground next year.'
Anybody who would like to get in touch with Mrs Holmes about the dog shows should call 01603 868280 or email holmeschergram@aol.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here